Significant cost reduction with cascading test approaches
A simplified solution
Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the small intestine. It is caused by an inflammatory response mounted by the patient’s own immune system against dietary gluten, which ultimately results in damage and atrophy of the villae within the small intestine.
While the diagnostic criteria of celiac disease are well defined, symptoms are generally nonspecific. This fact, combined with the variety of available tests — each with a specific utility and interpretation — can make a diagnosis quite challenging.
An algorithmic testing approach
Working closely with our clinical GI colleagues, we have established several cascading algorithms to aid in the diagnosis of celiac disease. These algorithms, each with a specific utility, use automatic reflexing to perform the necessary tests and are available as orderable clinical tests.
Knowledge about the patient’s clinical presentation, past treatment, and previous laboratory testing is critical to selecting the most appropriate algorithm.
The challenge of celiac disease diagnosis
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, it is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Approximately 2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is critical for improved quality of life and prevention of associated side effects. Unfortunately, celiac disease is a challenge to diagnose.
Key testing
CDSP | Celiac Disease Serology Cascade, Serum
Benefits of this cascade:
CDCOM | Celiac Disease Comprehensive Cascade, Serum and Whole Blood
Benefits of this cascade:
CDGF | Celiac Disease Gluten-Free Cascade, Serum and Whole Blood
Benefits of this cascade:
CELI | Celiac Associated HLA-DQ Alpha 1 and DQ Beta 1 DNA Typing, Blood
Benefits of this test:
Significantly reducing costs: A case study